Using the Shortcuts app, you can create a personal automation that automatically turns off Orientation Lock whenever you open YouTube — so videos always rotate to fullscreen.

How to set it up

1. Open the Shortcuts app and tap the Automation tab
2. Tap + to create a new Personal Automation
3. Select App as the trigger
4. Choose YouTube (or any video app), select Is Opened, and tap Next
5. Add the action Set Orientation Lock → set it to Off
6. Tap Next, then Done

Good to know

• You can add a second automation that re-enables Orientation Lock when YouTube is closed — choose the same App trigger but select Is Closed, then set Orientation Lock to On.
• This works with any app, not just YouTube — great for Netflix, Twitch, or any video app. You can select multiple apps within the same automation, so you don't need a separate one for each.
• The automation runs instantly when the app opens — no confirmation prompt needed.

For more details, see Apple's guide on creating personal automations in Shortcuts.